With beach houses, pools and yachts on our social radar, summer beauty is one of the most exciting topics to talk about. Many of us follow the motto that less is more, and very few women hit the beach with full-face makeup! But it’s clear that hydrating and moisturizing – while protecting from UV rays – are musts when it comes to stepping out in the sun. You might feel overwhelmed with sophisticated summer options that are meant to be layered with others or combine more than one step in one product (think BB and CC creams), but our beauty specialists are always available to answer your cosmetics queries. July is here, so we took the liberty to ask them about summer beauty routines, new SPF products and what to wear before-and-after we bask and play under the sun. What are your beauty summer essentials? Let us know in the comments below.

Is it OK to wear moisturizer and foundation along with sunscreen, or is it better to choose a product that combines coverage and sunscreen?

“Yes, it fine to layer. But if you can use a product that has two or three steps in one that is great. I love Armani’s Luminessence CC Cream with SPF 35. It is a lightweight moisturizer with anti-aging products, sheer foundation, and an SPF all in one.” – Amber Smith

“After a day of fun in the sun, Laura’s beloved favorite Almond Coconut Body Wash, Body Scrub and Body Souffle are still my go-to products to cleanse, recondition and rehydrate my skin. The delicious scent and comforting feel of the products transport me to the beach in my mind every time. It’s just the best, for mind, body and soul!” – Lori Wright

“I love to treat my skin with YSL Forever Youth Liberator Intensive Mask. I wake up with my skin feeling refreshed and hydrated. Don’t forget your eye cream. I love YSL’s new Or Rouge Eye Creme. This wonderful new product addresses 11 of the signs of aging. I use this day and night.” – Amber Smith

“I like to keep my beautiful bronze color by using a self tanner and bronzer. I recommend the Lancôme Flash Bronzer Body Gel, as well as the leg gel, which will both give an instant glow of bronze warmth to the skin as well as self-tan within two hours of applying. I also love the Lancôme Star Bronzer in natural glow for the final step in finishing your makeup routine. It will complete your look giving you a sun-kissed glow.” – Andrea Partlow

Three summer essentials you cannot live without…

“I love Giorgio Armani Luminessence CC Cream to hydrate, protect and add a little bit of coverage, Armani’s Maestro Liquid Bronzer to give my skin a warm sun glow, and lastly, I wouldn’t live the house without a pop of color on my lips. Armani’s CC Lipstick gives the comfort and protection of a lip balm with the color and coverage of a lipstick. Everyone needs a bright pink or coral lipstick to be summer ready.” – Amber Smith